Cryptocurrency watchers and investors have seen the precipitous rise and retracement of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies over the past two years. With Bitcoin and other cryptos trading at a massive discount, how can we expect cryptocurrencies to perform in the coming year and what catalysts should we look for?

Critics and fans alike are constantly making calls for a floor in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. But finding a long-term bottom means understanding the circumstances that must take place before a new, lasting bull market can truly begin – and very few investors can actually identify these circumstances.

Following October’s volatile month in the stock market, cryptocurrencies have proved themselves to not only be stable, but relatively immune to major stock market declines. And compared to the U.S. dollar, which has consistently lost value over time, multi-year crypto ownership has been highly successful. But given its brief history, can we really say that crypto is better money?

U.S. bonds are touted by the government as safe investments, but discerning minds know that there are better and safer ways to invest and get decent returns over time. Given the importance of blockchain technology and the fact that Bitcoin has the largest market cap of any digital token, could Bitcoin be considered one of the safest and best assets to buy and hold? In other words, could Bitcoin be the ultimate risk-free asset?